Things to do at the University of Michigan
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[Collected by the University of Michigan Campus Information Center,
313/763-INFO; updated 7/23/92.]
*** PLACES TO GO
Admission to the following sights is free unless otherwise noted.
* Bentley Historical Library 1150 Beal Ave. (North Campus),
764-3482. Hours: M-F 8:30am-5pm;
SA 9am-12:30pm.
This research facility containing information on Michigan's
history, U-M archives, and the Michigan Historical
Collection has periodic public displays.
* Burton Memorial Tower Thayer at N. University,
764-2539.
212 foot tower houses the 100 ton Baird Carillon, the third
largest musical instrument in the world, with bells ranging
from 12 pounds to 12 tons. The 10th floor bell chamber is
open to the public M-F 12pm-12:30pm when University classes
are in session.
* Clements Library of Americana 909 S. University,
764-2347. Hours: M-F 10:30am-12pm, 1pm-5pm.
Contains rare books, manuscripts, and other documents
tracing American history from Columbus' time to the 19th
century. Exhibits reflect American development through the
centuries.
* Fairlane Mansion 4901 Evergreen Rd. (U-M Dearborn)
593-5590. Tours: SU year round 1pm-4:30pm;
April-Dec., M-SA leaving on the hour (10am-3pm, excl.
noon).
Henry Ford donated his magnificent estate to U-M Dearborn.
Admission: Adults $6, seniors $5, children under five and
University staff and students are free. Guided nature tours
of the grounds are $3; package tour of grounds and house $7.
* Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library 1000 Beal Ave. (North
Campus), 668-2218. Hours: M-F 8:45am-4:45pm.
Contains Gerald Ford's historical records and files as
Congressperson, Vice-President, and President. There are
rotating displays in the lobby.
* Kelsey Museum of Archeology 434 S. State St., 764-9304.
Hours: Sept.-April, M-F 9am-4pm; SA-SU 1pm-4pm; SU gallery
talks 2pm. May-Aug., TU-F 11am-4pm; SA-SU 1pm-4pm.
Features artifacts from excavations in the Mediterranean and
Near East. Free admission; tours by appointment available
for groups of 15 or less for 50c per person.
* Matthaei Botanical Gardens 1800 N. Dixboro Rd.,
998-7061. Hours: conservatory _ daily 10am-4:30pm;
grounds and trails _ daily 8am-sunset.
Includes marked hiking trails, landscaped gardens, and a
greenhouse (conservatory) with plants from all over the
world. Tours available by arrangement three weeks in
advance. General admission: $1, children under six and
U-M students free.
* Michigan Stadium Corner of Main and Stadium,
747-2583. Hours: M-F 10am-3pm.
View the largest college owned stadium in the USA. Built in
1927, its official capacity is 101,701 (although attendance
figures of 105,000 have been recorded). Enter through Gate
#2, off Stadium Blvd.
* Museum of Art (Alumni Memorial Hall) Corner of S. University
and State, 764-0395. Hours: TU-F 10am-4pm; SA 10am-5pm;
SU 1pm-5pm; closed Mondays.
Includes sculptures, drawings, prints and decorative art
from the middle ages to the present from around the world.
Free tours for individuals and groups.
* Nichols Arboretum Entrances on Geddes and on
Washington Heights. Hours: daily 6am-10pm.
144 acres of rolling hills, trees, natural and man-made
habitats, and the Huron River. It's a good place for walks,
picnics, and relaxing.
* Phoenix Memorial Laboratory and Ford Nuclear Reactor 2301
Bonisteel Blvd. (North Campus),
764-6220. Hours: M-F 8am-5pm; May-Aug., M-F
7:30am-4pm.
Built as a memorial to the U-M students and alumni who died
in World War II, the
Laboratory encourages teaching and research on peaceful uses
of nuclear energy. Tours of Phoenix Lab and Ford Reactor
available by appointment.
* Exhibit Museum 1109 Geddes, 764-0478. Hours: TU-SA 9am-5pm;
SU 1pm-5pm; closed Mondays.
Includes the Hall of Evolution (with dinosaurs' skeletons),
displays of Michigan plant and animal life, mineral and
biological displays, and dioramas of Native American life
and the lives of other cultures. Tours for groups by
appointment TU-F for a fee of $1 per person.
* Rare Books and Special Collections 7th Floor Graduate
Library, 764-9377. Hours: M-F 10am-12pm, 1pm-5pm; SA
10am-12pm.
Contains rare books and manuscripts dating back to the 3rd
century BC and the Labadie collection of anarchist
literature; periodic exhibits scheduled.
* Regents' Plaza Between LS&A and Administration Buildings.
Of special interest is the sculpture designed by Michigan
alumnus Bernard Rosenthal. Despite the cube's 2,400 pound
weight, it spins on its axis with a push.
* Planetarium 1109 Geddes (Exhibit Museum), 764-0478.
Showtimes: SA 10:30am, 11:30am, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm; SU 2pm, 3pm
4pm; M-F groups only by appointment.
The 50 minute star shows are both entertaining and
educational. Saturday morning shows are geared toward small
children; children under five not admitted to afternoon
shows. Admission: SA morning shows, $1.50; SA & SU
afternoon shows, $2.
* Slusser Gallery Room 1102, School of Art & Architecture
(North Campus), 764-0397.
School of Art gallery showing works of U-M faculty,
students, alumni, as well as special outside exhibits.
* Stearns Collection School of Music (North Campus),
763-4389.
Contains over 2,000 old and rare musical instruments from
all over the world. Special programs often featured Sunday
afternoons from September-March. Call for hours.
*** ANNUAL EVENTS
* Ann Arbor Art Fair 662-3382. Comprised of three different
art fairs, this event is held in the streets of Ann Arbor
the third week of July and showcases the work of nearly
1,000 artists. Other related activities include
performances, children's activities, demonstrations, and
sidewalk sales.
* Ann Arbor Film Festival 995-5356. Sponsors 16mm films of
contemporary artists every March.
* Ann Arbor Pow Wow 763-9044. This celebration of Native
American culture and heritage takes place in March and
includes traditional music and dance.
* Greek Week 663-4505. Fraternities and sororities team up in
March to raise money for philanthropies and have fun in the
process. Events range from the Greek Sing (talent show) to
bed races and pizza eating contests.
* Homecoming 763-1107. U-M alumni and students join together
in the fall to honor the University and enjoy a Big-10 game,
complete with parades, contests, and parties at the Union.
* May Festival 764-2538. The University Musical Society hosts
a world-famous symphony orchestra for a series of
performances featuring well-known soloists.
* Parents Weekend 763-9755. Sponsored by the Student Alumni
Council in the fall of each year. Parents (as well as
relatives and friends) can enjoy a weekend of football,
food, and fun while seeing the campus through their
students' eyes.
* Siblings Weekend 763-9755. Students invite brothers and
sisters of all ages to spend a weekend in March exploring
the U-M campus. Activities are planned by the Student
Alumni Council.
*** RECREATION
* Intercollegiate athletic events. For information
contact the Athletic Ticket Office, 764-0247, or the Campus
Informatin Center (CIC) 763-INFO, or the Varsity Sport
Schedules in GOpherBLUE. Use of U-M recreational facilities
requires current student status, or a Facilities User Pass.
See the brochure Things to Do in Ann Arbor for visitors' facilities.
* Golf. The University of Michigan Golf Course is located at
Stadium Blvd. and Main St., 663-5005. One member of the
party must be connected with the University (student,
faculty, staff, alumni, letter winner).
* Ice Skating. The Yost Ice Arena is located on State St. near
Hoover, and is open to all, 764-4600.
*** FILMS
Several non-profit, student groups show classic and
contemporary films in campus buildings at reduced prices.
Call 763-FILM for a recording of the day's movies.
Ann Arbor Film Cooperative 769-7787
Ann Arbor Film Society 761-8286
Cinema Guild 994-0027
Hill Street Cinema 769-0500
M-Flicks (UAC) 763-1107
Michigan Theater Foundation 668-8397
Top of the Park (summer only) 747-2278
U-M Program on Film & Video Studies 764-0147
U-M Center for Japanese Studies 764-6307
For a listing of first-run movies in Ann Arbor, call Ann
Arbor, Briarwood, Fox Village, or Showcase Theaters.
*** PERFORMING ARTS
* Dance Department 763-5460. Offers many concerts as well as
introductory dance classes; open to all students.
* Office of Major Events 763-5750. Produces concerts, ranging
from hard rock to folk, by renowned artists.
* School of Music 764-0583. Offers many free recitals and
concerts given by professors and students. Call the 24-Hour
Music Hotline, 763-4726, for details.
* Department of Theatre and Drama 764-5350. Students
participate in acting, directing, and designing four series
each year: University Players, Power Series, Spring Series,
and Showcase Series.
* University Activities Center 763-1107. A student
organization running MUSKET (theatre), the Comedy Company,
the Soph Show, and much more.
* University Club 763-2236. The Michigan Union's U-Club hosts
live and recorded entertainment in the evenings. Call
763-INFO for details.
* University Musical Society 764-2538. Offers concerts
featuring symphony orchestras, chamber groups, and
instrumental soloists from around the world. It maintains
the Choral Union and sponsors Handel's Messiah in December
and the May Festival.
* Other performing arts groups include the U-M Bands, the
Gilbert and Sullivan Society, KUUMBA, Michigan Repertory
Theatre, the Glee Clubs, and more. Call 76-EVENT for
information about upcoming campus events.
